The PlayStation 5 is more than just a powerful gaming console. With its robust multimedia capabilities, the PS5 can be your all-in-one entertainment system for gaming, streaming videos, listening to music, and even watching live TV.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about using your PS5 as a streaming device and TV substitute.
Overview of PS5‘s Streaming and Multimedia Features
The PS5 comes equipped with a wide range of entertainment apps and features, including:
-
Built-in 4K Blu-ray disc drive (for PS5 Standard Edition): Watch Ultra HD Blu-rays and regular Blu-rays in stunning 4K resolution.
-
Support for all major streaming apps: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, YouTube, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video etc. Download these apps to start streaming.
-
Live TV streaming: Watch live sports, news, and other programs through YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV, Sling TV and other streaming cable alternatives.
-
Media player for local media: Play videos, music, and photos stored on a USB drive or media server. Supports most major file formats.
-
Spotify integration: Spotify Connect allows you to control music playback on PS5. Spotify also works in the background while gaming.
-
Remote play and screen casting: Stream your PS5 screen to mobile devices and other consoles for gaming away from your TV.
With these features, you can easily cut cable TV and switch to streaming entertainment through your PS5 console.
How to Download Streaming Apps on PS5
To start watching streaming video on PS5, you first need to download the apps for your preferred services:
-
From the PS5 home screen, go to the Media tab.
-
Select All Apps to browse apps available for download.
-
Find the app you want, select it and choose Download. Popular options include:
- Netflix
- Disney+
- Hulu
- YouTube
- Apple TV+
- Amazon Prime Video
- HBO Max
-
Once installed, select the app icon to launch it. Log in with your account credentials.
-
The app will now be available in the Media tab for easy access.
Most streaming services have PS5-optimized apps that take advantage of the console‘s powerful hardware for the best performance.
Connecting Your PS5 to a TV
To watch streaming video and live TV, you‘ll need to connect your PS5 to a TV or monitor. Here are the steps:
-
For 4K streaming, use the HDMI cable that came with your PS5 console. This is an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable that can handle 4K video at up to 120Hz refresh rates.
-
Plug one end into the HDMI OUT port on the back of the PS5.
-
Connect the other end to an HDMI input on your TV.
-
Turn on your PS5 and TV. Make sure to select the correct TV input that the PS5 is connected to.
-
Go to Settings > Screen and Video on the PS5 and adjust options like HDR, 4K output and color range based on your TV‘s capabilities. Enable HDCP if you experience issues.
With this setup, you‘re ready to enjoy Ultra HD streaming and the highest quality video output from the PS5.
How to Watch Live TV on PS5
The PS5 doesn‘t have a TV tuner for watching cable TV. However, you can stream live TV through various over-the-top streaming services. Here are some options:
-
YouTube TV: Offers over 85+ channels including sports (NFL, NBA) and news. Has a cloud DVR. Plans start at $64.99/month.
-
Hulu + Live TV: Over 75 channels. Includes ESPN, Fox Sports, NFL Network and more for sports. Cloud DVR included. From $69.99/month.
-
Sling TV: Live TV packages starting at $35/month. Get channels like ESPN, TNT, TBS for sports. Add-ons available.
-
FuboTV: Popular for soccer and other sports streaming. Packages from $69.99/month.
To get started:
-
Download the app for your preferred live TV streaming service on your PS5.
-
Sign up for an account or log in.
-
Browse or search channels for the live content you want to watch.
-
Select a live stream to start watching on your PS5 just like real TV!
With an internet connection, you can cut the cord and save money with these streaming TV alternatives. The apps also work great on the PS5 with a controller-friendly interface.
How to Watch DVDs and Blu-rays on PS5
The PS5 Standard Edition console includes a built-in 4K UHD Blu-ray disc drive. This allows you to play physical media like DVDs, Blu-rays and 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays. To watch a disc:
-
Insert the disc into the drive slot with the label facing up.
-
Open the Media tab and select Blu-ray from the sidebar.
-
The disc should start playing automatically. Use the PS5 controller to pause, skip scenes, adjust volume and more.
-
To eject, press the eject button beside the drive slot.
With its Blu-ray drive, the PS5 delivers excellent 4K picture quality and surround sound from Ultra HD Blu-ray movies. It‘s a great option for home theater enthusiasts.
Using PS5 for Music and Podcasts
The PS5 isn‘t just for video streaming. You can also use it as a music player and podcast platform.
For music, download the Spotify app to access over 80 million songs. Or use the Media Player to play MP3s and other audio files from a USB drive.
For podcasts, download apps like Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. Search for the podcasts you want to follow, download episodes, and listen on your PS5.
In both cases, you can keep the audio playing in the background while gaming. This allows you to enjoy music or podcasts while playing.
PS5 Remote Play and Screen Casting
The PS5 has powerful remote play and screen mirroring capabilities via Wi-Fi. This allows you to stream PS5 games and media to other devices for playing away from your TV.
To use this feature:
-
On mobile: Install the PS Remote Play app on your Android or iOS device. Log in and connect to your PS5 over the internet. The PS5 screen will be displayed on your phone or tablet.
-
On PC/Mac: Install PS Remote Play, connect over the internet, and screen cast PS5 to your computer monitor. Requires Windows 8.1 or later or macOS 10.14 or higher.
-
On another PS5: Go to Settings > System > Remote Play > Enable Remote Play. On the other PS5, connect via the Remote Play app.
With remote play, you can access everything on your PS5 anywhere over Wi-Fi. It‘s useful for streaming TV shows, movies and live sports when you aren‘t near the console.
4K, HDR and 120fps – Do You Need a New TV for PS5?
To take full advantage of next-gen gaming and streaming on PS5, you‘ll want a TV with 4K resolution, High Dynamic Range (HDR), and 120Hz refresh rates. Here‘s what they offer:
-
4K: 4K Ultra HD resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) for the sharpest picture quality. Streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube support 4K video on PS5.
-
HDR: Expanded color and contrast for more vivid, life-like visuals. Works with HDR10 and Dolby Vision content.
-
120Hz refresh rate: Smoother animations and 60+ fps gaming. Ideal for fast action games and sports. Requires HDMI 2.1.
An OLED TV or high-end 4K LED LCD provides the best overall performance. Look for the above features plus HDMI 2.1 when buying a new TV for your PS5.
However, your existing TV will still work fine. You‘ll enjoy the PS5‘s speed and streaming capabilities even without 4K/HDR.
How Does PS5 Streaming Compare to PS4?
The PS5 brings major improvements for streaming over the PS4:
-
4K video support: PS5 has full 4K streaming while PS4 is limited to 1080p for video.
-
HDR support: The PS4 only supports basic HDR10 and no Dolby Vision. PS5 does both.
-
Faster speeds: The PS5‘s SSD and CPU make streaming apps much snappier compared to PS4.
-
New apps: Some services like Apple TV+ are only available on PS5. Apps like YouTube also stream at higher quality.
-
PS5 controller: The new haptics, mic, create button and UI enhancements improve media control.
These upgrades make the PS5 a worthy upgrade for serious streamers and cord cutters. Performance is simply much better all around.
PS5 vs. Dedicated Streaming Devices
Compared to dedicated media streamers like the Roku or Apple TV 4K, the PS5 has some advantages and disadvantages:
PS5 Advantages:
- Plays 4K Blu-rays
- Doubles as a gaming console
- More powerful hardware improves streaming app performance
- New apps and features not on older devices
PS5 Disadvantages:
- Lacks certain apps like Vudu (coming soon)
- Interface less streamlined than Roku/Apple TV
- No TV controls or casting capabilities
- Uses more energy when idle
The PS5 makes for an excellent living room media hub, especially if you game. But standalone streamers are simpler to use for video-only users.
Conclusion – How to Watch Anything and Everything on Your PS5
In summary, the PlayStation 5 offers a ton of options for cord-cutters to watch streaming TV shows, movies, live sports, news and more without cable.
With all the major streaming apps, live TV services, 4K Blu-Ray playback, music, podcasts and remote play for mobility, the PS5 makes an ideal single entertainment console for your living room.
While a new 4K/120Hz TV can unlock its full potential, you can still enjoy great streaming capabilities even without upgrading your TV.
So fire up those streaming apps and turn your PS5 into both an awesome gaming machine and your new smart TV alternative!
